Gray Wolf Crosses Into California, A First in More Than 85 Years
California Wolf Center Suggests Coexistence
December 11, 2011 - JULIAN, CA - A single gray wolf has crossed the border into California south of Klamath Falls, marking the return of a keystone predator that was eliminated from our state more than 80 years ago. According to the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), the two and one half year old male, known as OR-7, dispersed from southern Oregon crossing the California state line and into the Siskiyou County wilderness on Wednesday night.
OR-7 left his pack in northeastern Oregon in September, and was confirmed to be in Siskiyou County around noon Wednesday. According to CDFG, a signal from his GPS collar at 6 a.m. Thursday showed that he was several miles south of the California – Oregon border.
Wolves are listed in the state as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act.
California is now experiencing an event that has been the fervent wish of many people for decades. This event serves to remind that for some past environmental wrongs, there is the potential for rectification -- and that a species that was reviled as vermin and rendered nearly extinct through a wholesale extermination campaign can return to its rightful place in ecosystems from which it has long been banished. After a 300+ mile trek across Oregon, with a few loping strides, wolf OR-7 has crossed the border into California, in a region of our state that has excellent wolf habitat.
Since he is the first confirmed wild wolf in California since 1924, it's an extraordinarily exciting moment in the natural history of this species and this state. When it comes to their role in the ecosystem, wolves are about as important a player as there can be. Though its return to any location always stirs controversy, due to the myths and folklore surrounding wolves, OR-7 brings with him the opportunity for Californians to learn about and appreciate a once-native species, and that's something to celebrate.
If wolves continue their return to California there is work to be done. The presence of wolves will cause an emotional response, both for and against the species. Stakeholders will need to reduce the emotional component and focus on both the science and conservation of wolves.
The return of wolves should not be seen as an anti-ranching event. In fact, California has an opportunity to use successful models developed in other states that keeps wolves and livestock alive. Coexistence is possible and the key to success will be bringing stakeholders together and developing proactive activities to ensure the long term survival of wolves and local ranching interests.
About California Wolf Center
The California Wolf Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the return of wild wolves to their natural habitat and to the people who share the landscape with them. We foster communities coming together to ensure wolves, livestock, and people thrive in today’s world. Learn more at californiawolfcenter.org
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